Will the Cleveland Browns carry six WR’s and who will win the spot?

The Cleveland Browns wide receiver will be a point of interest on final cut day, with the possibility of the team carrying six wide receivers and a group of young receivers battling for the spot.

The Cleveland Browns have already made a some cuts before the team has to get their final roster down to 53-players.

Of the notable players in the first wave of cuts, the Browns terminated the contract of off-season addition Jeff Janis. Entering training camp and throughout the beginning of preseason, it was expected that Janis would be on the wide recevier depth chart to begin the season.

But with the emergence of Rashard Higgins and Damion Ratley, Janis’ roster spot was in jeopardy. With final cuts looming, there are five players that are almost locks to be on the roster: Josh Gordon, Jarvis Landry, Antonio Callaway, Higgins, and Ratley.

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There is a good chance that the Browns could enter the regular season with only these five receivers. If the Browns decide they want to carry an extra defensive back or defensive linemen, the position they would sacrifice carrying an extra player at would likely be wide receiver.

But if the Browns decide to carry six receivers, there are two options on the roster that have the best chance to be that sixth receiver: Derrick Willies and Da’Mari Scott.

Both Willies and Scott were signed as undrafted free agents this off-season. Both have played well during the preseason, and they also played reps on special teams. Their performances this preseason helped the case to release Janis.

At 6-foot-4, Willies brings potential as a big target in the red zone. He caught four passes for 42 yards during the preseason. But the most significant plays he made in the preseason were negated.

Against the Buffalo Bills, Willies caught two touchdown passes in the red zone. One touchdown reception he made in tight quarters was negated due to an offensive pass interference. Willies then caught a touchdown reception by using his height and reach to catch a pass on the side of the end zone. That catch was overturned by replay officials due to Willies barely being unable to get his second foot in bounds.

Willies made some solid plays, but never really was able to use his size to stand out. Scott may be the better option on the roster right now to take over the Browns sixth receiver spot.

Scott was one of the leading receivers for the Browns during the preseason, catching six passes for 86 yards. Scott does not have the size that Willies does, but he has shown the ability to make plays all over the field. He also brings ability as a returner, as his 17 yard punt return against the Lions was the longest the Browns had this preseason.

For the options the Browns currently have on the roster, Scott seems like he has the edge over Willies to make the final roster. But the best option as the sixth receiver for the Browns is likely not currently on the roster.

There will be some surprises as teams make their final cuts, especially at the wide receiver position. Since the Browns have first priority on the waiver wire, they will have their choice of any wide receiver that becomes available.

The Browns have decent options right now to round out the bottom of their wide receiver depth chart. But the best bet is that the final spot goes to a waiver wire pickup and Willies and Scott end up on the practice squad.